Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Golden Key?
Golden Key is a non-profit, international academic honors organization
that recognizes the top 15% of juniors and seniors in all undergraduate
fields. Membership in Golden Key is by invitation only and there are benefits
available only to members.
- Golden Key, as of August 1, 2003, had chapters at universities
and colleges in
Australia, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, South Africa, United
Kingdom, United States of America, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Golden Key is a non-profit organization under
Section 501C(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
- In 2001, the society modified its name to its current name to reflect
its diversity and global presence. The spelling of "Honour" was
utilized to observe the more globally accepted spelling.
2. What are the requirements for membership?
- At Cornell, a student must be of junior or senior
status (>50 credits) and at least 25 credits at the current institution.
- Top 15% of juniors and seniors. Generally speaking,
the GPA requirement is approximately a 3.75. All full and part-time students
from any field of study.
- All traditional, non-traditional and international students
3. What is Golden Key's mission?
Golden Key strives to build global communities of academic achievers by providing
opportunities for individual growth through leadership, career development,
networking and service. The Society recognizes and encourages scholastic achievement
and excellence among junior and senior students across all academic disciplines;
Unites university faculty and administrators in developing and maintaining
high standards of education; Awards scholarships for the pursuit of knowledge;
Serves the campus and community for personal growth and leadership development
and Connects members with career opportunities and assistance.
4. When and how was Golden Key founded?
- Golden Key National Honor Society was founded by a
group of undergraduate students and faculty members at Georgia State
University in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. on November 21, 1977.
- The local chapter at Cornell was founded on April 26, 1989.
5. Why should I join Golden Key?
Membership in Golden Key International Honour Society is a prestigious opportunity
for the top 15 percent of undergraduate, part-time and full-time juniors and
seniors. The Society offers members a valuable opportunity to get involved
in opportunities for individual growth through leadership, career development,
networking and community service. In addition, a number of scholarships and
awards are available for members to apply as well as special discount programs
with participating vendors such as Kaplan Test Prep and MBNA Financial Services.
For specific information on membership benefits, please click
here.
6. Must I be involved in activities to be a Golden Key member?
No, Golden Key was founded on the principle that any student who meets the
established academic criteria can become a member and access the many benefits
offered. Participation is highly encouraged and purely voluntary. Golden Key
does provide, however, one of the best networks of opportunities to actively
participate at the local, regional, national and even international level.
Thousands of Golden Key members have utilized the opportunities in Golden
Key to develop their leadership skills, engage in community service, and enhance
their personal network.
7. Does it cost anything to join Golden Key?
Members pay a one-time membership fee of $70 that provides access to a variety
of benefits, many of which are available for a lifetime. Eleven dollars from
each member is sent to the local chapter to support its activities. The balance
is retained at the Golden Key headquarters to provide exceptional service
to chapters and members via activities such as annual mailings of membership
invitations, development of benefits, dedicated staff support on campus, materials
for induction ceremonies, publications, and more. There is no fee to the institution
for establishing and retaining a Golden Key chapter on campus.
8. How is the membership fee used?
The membership fee is shared between the local chapter and the international
headquarters. The one-time-only fee funds membership benefits and supports
local chapters in a variety of ways including scholarships, induction ceremonies
and receptions, publications, conferences and conventions, local academic,
service and social activities and headquarters support to chapters.
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